11 of 13 adopted Youth Congress resolutions benefit public schools

Eleven of the 13 resolutions adopted during the second regular session of the 11th CNMI Youth Congress were related to education and for the benefit of various schools.

The resolutions include requesting funds for environmental awareness projects in schools, public health and safety for the benefit of the students, recreational and sports facilities, and other issues.

Youth Sen. Jessel M. Mesa introduced Resolution 11-2, requesting the 16th CNMI Legislature and the Department of Public Health to appropriate funds for health clinics at high school campuses in Kagman, Rota, Saipan Southern and Tinian.

Mesa stressed the importance of accessibility to proper health care for a safe and healthy population and that school clinics could provide services such as first aid, immunization, and counseling on various preventive medicine and similar issues.

Mesa said high school students are exposed to pressures that make them vulnerable to drug use and sexual activities, adding that school clinics may provide sex education and the ill effects of the use of illegal drugs.

Youth Congress Speaker Adeleyah Mojica introduced Resolution 11-3 to request the mayors of each municipality in the CNMI to provide recycle bins within villages and public schools and promote such environmental projects.

Mojica said recycling is a vital tool to protect the environment and the future of the islands and urged increased awareness among students on this issue.

She said recycling promotes a healthy lifestyle and would ensure that visitors will return.

Youth Sen. Johora Paeda wants the Legislature to set aside funding for the purchase of sports equipment for Rota High, Rota Junior High, and Sinapalo Elementary School.

In explaining Resolution 11-6, Paeda said physical activities for the youth would help promote healthy bodies and habits that are essential for growing bodies and minds.

She said proper sports equipment for all the three public schools on Rota are either nonexistent or in dire need of replacement.

She said teachers often use their personal sport gears due to this lack of equipment in schools.

Youth Congress Floor Leader John Ayuyu wants funds for a gymnasium at the Rota High.

Ayuyu said the present gymnasium has not been properly maintained and has suffered major damage by typhoons and could not be used due to safety concerns.

Youth Sen. Sunny Frank L. Aldan wants the Legislature to make available funding for more student participation in the Close Up program.

Aldan explains that this program inspires young people to participate in the democratic process through hands-on programs for students and teachers in Washington D.C.

He said participants have the chance to explore the nation’s capital and meet elected officials, policy experts and media and discuss their views.

Aldan also introduced Resolution 11-9 to request the Legislature to convene sessions during the 2009 Youth Summit.

He also wants the Legislature to amend the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance Act to include high school honor students taking college courses.

Three other resolutions congratulate 2009 Teacher of the Year James Phillips of MHS, Teacher Aide of the Year, Rosa M. Sablan of Kagman, and Support staff of the Year, Patricia Aguon-Cruz of MHS.

Another adopted resolution commends the outstanding accomplishments of the Associated Students of NMC, which was introduced by Youth Sens. Min Seon Park, Aesha D. Sablan and Charlyn S. Techur.